According to information released by the Stone Retail Index (IVS), Brazilian retail sales showed a 3.5% decline in December 2024. For this year, experts from XP Investimentos project a modest recovery in the sector, with an increase of around 2%. Given this context, commercial areas are positioning themselves as open to innovation as a way to adapt to challenges and identify opportunities, aiming not only to attract more consumers but also to enhance results for the entire involved chain.
For Elton Matos, co-founder and CEO of Airlocker, a pioneer in fully self-manageable smart lockers, retail is undergoing a revolutionary moment. “We are living through a transformative period in the sector. Although the challenges are evident, they also bring the opportunity to rethink strategies. We observe that this reinvention tends to be guided by an increasingly innovative mindset. The key thought for this period will be to ‘think outside the box’ to differentiate, delight, and consequently generate recurrence,” says the executive.
Thinking about the commerce of the future, Matos listed the solutions that will stand out in this new phase of retail. Check them out below:
Smart lockers
Smart lockers, as they are commonly known, bring accuracy to the logistics of deliveries and returns. “These innovations function as autonomous pickup points and can be used as intermediaries between retailers and end consumers, allowing purchases to be picked up at the most convenient time, without queues or delays, providing a differentiated shopping experience,” says the expert.
Data analysis
A study conducted by consulting firm IDC found that 90% of Brazilian companies invest in data and analytics tools to predict trends and consumption patterns. “In this scenario, innovations like Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) stand out as they operate in the area of predictive information analysis, meaning an optimization of inventory management and even store layouts. Additionally, these resources enable more personalized marketing campaigns, increasing the chances of winning over consumers,” explains the CEO.
Just Walk Out
The ‘Just Walk Out’ dynamic, in a loose translation from English, allows commercial environments to operate without the need for checkout counters. “The main idea of the concept is the elimination of payment queues, generating a fast and uninterrupted shopping experience, aligning with current consumer preferences. In practice, the system, already implemented in some U.S. supermarkets, uses a series of overhead cameras and pressure-sensitive shelves to automatically detect what customers place in their carts. Consumers can also opt for product scanning via an app linked to a credit or debit card. Upon leaving the store, they are automatically charged and receive a digital receipt,” reveals Matos.
Circular strategies
Driven by consumers’ desire to save and adopt more sustainable practices, circularity will be one of the central themes this year. “This sustainable movement in commerce has been growing mainly due to younger generations, who prioritize brands with ecological initiatives. Whether in the production chain or store structure, such as the use of solar panels, the resource has the potential to strengthen public loyalty and consequently increase profit margins, in addition to positively impacting environmental causes,” concludes the expert.
